Tying You To Me

Ring in the New Year: A Tying You To Me Extra

December 2022

"Sorry! Just a second!"

Quinn pulled the sheet mask off of her face and toddled towards the door, careful not to smudge the polish that was still drying on her fingers and toes as she dabbed the excess serum into her skin. She'd started her spa night while she was waiting for her takeout and thought she'd have enough time to finish her routine. Clearly her delivery driver was running ahead of schedule.

"Almost there," Quinn shouted over top of the incessant ringing of the doorbell. "Hello," she said as she opened the door. "How are —"

"Delivery for a Quinn?" Harry said, squinting at the receipt stapled to the bag.

"What are you doing here?" Quinn asked, stunned. "You're not supposed to be home until tomorrow."

"Oh, well I can leave and take this with me," Harry said, turning around on the stoop.

"Don't you dare!" Quinn yelled as she threw her arms around him, feeling his body shake with laughter.

"Did you miss me or something?"

"I think you know the answer to that."

"Well, let me get a proper hello in then," Harry replied, setting the takeout and his carry-on on the front steps before enveloping Quinn in a tight embrace and kissing her on the lips.

Quinn tried and failed, to keep the tears from spilling over as she returned the kiss. "What happened to LA? I thought you had to wrap things up?"

"Finished ahead of schedule so that I could get home to you."

"Harry," she said, sniffing.

"I know," he said, pulling her close. "I know."

As incredible as the past six months had been for the both of them, it hadn't been an easy ride.

After Quinn packed up her life in New York City, she'd had a few weeks to get acclimated to her new home in London with Harry – and to see him sell out Wembley – but soon after he'd packed his suitcase and headed off to tour the world. Harry touring wasn't anything new, but it was difficult for Quinn this time around, being in a new city, with her only tether gone. She'd made the most of it, thankful that Harry's circle had welcomed her with open arms and that her own family and friends had made trips to visit throughout the summer. The change in circumstances hadn't really hit Quinn until Harry's New York residency began in August though.

He was in her city, without her, and the longing she felt was indescribable, a feeling that only intensified when the new season of SNL began, and she realized that she'd be able to watch it on the TV for the first time in years.

Harry had his own struggles too. As much as he loved working and staying busy, being on the road could be grueling and lonely, even when surrounded by friends. She could see the toll it was taking during their late night FaceTime calls, and it was especially heartbreaking to be apart from him during the highs and lows. But after months of counting down he was finally home.

"Maybe we should go inside?" Harry mumbled into Quinn's hair. "It's a little cold out here."

"I don't think I ordered enough for two," Quinn said, frowning at the plastic bag as she picked it up.

"It's fine, we'll share." Harry shook off his coat as he followed Quinn into the entryway. He took in the scene before him. "You've really turned this place around," he said with a mix of happiness and awe.

"I know you said to make myself at home," Quinn called from the kitchen. "I might have gone a little overboard."

"No, it's perfect," Harry sighed.